An American Airlines passenger was restrained with zip ties and duct tape after allegedly becoming violent during a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Newark, forcing the aircraft to divert to Baltimore, Maryland.
The incident occurred on Thursday, September 3, aboard American Airlines Flight 618, which was travelling from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport.
According to witnesses, the situation escalated about two hours into the flight after the passenger allegedly became verbally abusive and then physically aggressive toward people nearby.
The passenger was identified by authorities as Arthur Lundeen, 67, of Arizona. Maryland Transportation Authority Police arrested him after the plane landed in Baltimore, where he was taken into custody on state charges. The FBI is investigating whether federal charges will also be filed.
Juan Mejia, a retired law enforcement officer who was aboard the flight, said the atmosphere changed suddenly from calm to chaos.
Mejia told CBS News that he turned around after hearing the disturbance and saw Lundeen allegedly attacking the passenger seated beside him.
Richard Olenick, another passenger who helped intervene, said the man had become increasingly disruptive before the situation turned physical.
The witnesses said they, along with another person, intervened to help restrain Lundeen after efforts to control the situation escalated.
A flight attendant provided zip ties, which were used to restrain his wrists. Duct tape was subsequently used to secure him to his seat.
A photograph taken by Olenick showed the passenger with several layers of duct tape around his wrists, torso and head.
Mejia also told CBS News that Lundeen bit his hand during the struggle and that the passenger was bleeding from injuries he had sustained during the incident. These accounts have not been independently established by authorities.
Witnesses also alleged that Lundeen directed racial and homophobic remarks at passengers and a flight attendant before the confrontation became physical.
Olenick told CBS News that the passenger used a racial slur against a flight attendant, while Mejia described the behaviour as involving offensive and abusive language.
The witnesses also said they believed alcohol may have played a role, although authorities have not established that alcohol caused or contributed to the incident.
With the situation continuing to pose a safety concern, the flight was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the crew reported the passenger disturbance and the aircraft landed in Baltimore at about 10:15 p.m. local time.
Law enforcement officers met the aircraft after it landed and removed the passenger. The flight subsequently continued to Newark.
American Airlines confirmed the diversion and said its priority was the safety and security of passengers and crew.
“The safety and security of our customers and team members is our top priority and we do not tolerate violence,” the airline said, thanking its employees and passengers for their professionalism and cooperation.
The FBI confirmed that Lundeen was in custody on state charges while federal investigators worked to establish what happened aboard the aircraft.
“The FBI is currently conducting interviews to gather the facts and will consult with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to determine if federal charges will be filed,” the agency said.
The FAA is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case comes amid continuing concerns over disruptive and violent behaviour aboard commercial aircraft, where incidents can require crews to restrain passengers or divert flights when the safety of those onboard is threatened.
For now, Lundeen remains in custody as authorities investigate the incident and determine whether additional charges will be brought.
